noun
Very common
interests
IHN-trihsts
Interests (noun) means the group of people or organizations with a stake in a particular matter, considered together. Example: “Environmental interests argued that the river should be protected from the new road.”
noun
1
The group of people or organizations with a stake in a particular matter, considered together.
"Environmental interests argued that the river should be protected from the new road."
"The policy was shaped by powerful business interests."
"Local interests lobbied hard against the new development."
How to use interests
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to talk about a group of people or companies who all stand to gain or lose from something, e.g. "business interests."
Common pairings
vested interests
business interests
competing interests
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Environmental _____ argued that the river should be protected from the new road.
Synonyms
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stakeholders
parties
factions
lobbies
pressure groups
camps
Frequently asked questions
What does “interests” mean?
The word “interests” means the group of people or organizations with a stake in a particular matter, considered together. In plain terms, used to talk about a group of people or companies who all stand to gain or lose from something, e.g. "business interests.".
How do you pronounce “interests”?
“Interests” is pronounced IHN-trihsts (/ˈɪn.t(ə.)ɹɪsts/ in IPA).
How do you use “interests” in a sentence?
Here is “interests” used in a sentence: “The policy was shaped by powerful business interests.”
What part of speech is “interests”?
“Interests” is a noun.
Is “interests” a common word?
“Interests” is a very common word in modern English.
What does 'interests' mean in this sense?
Here interests refers to a group of people, companies, or organisations that share a common stake in a matter, such as business interests or the farming interests. It treats them collectively as a single force whose advantage or wellbeing is affected by a particular issue or decision.
What is a 'vested interest'?
A vested interest is a personal stake in something, a reason to want a certain outcome because you stand to gain from it. When people criticise vested interests, they usually mean powerful groups protecting their own advantage, often at the expense of the wider public or a fair debate.
What is an example of 'interests' used this way?
"The measure was opposed by powerful business interests" and "The talks tried to balance the competing interests of workers and employers" both use it this way. In each case, interests names organised groups defined by a shared stake, not an individual's hobby or personal curiosity.
What is the difference between 'interests' and 'stakeholders'?
The two overlap. Interests is an older, broader term for groups united by a common stake, often implying influence or lobbying power. Stakeholders is a more modern, neutral term for anyone affected by a decision, including staff, customers, or communities. Stakeholders may hold very different, competing interests.
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